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Amanda - posted on 05/21/2010

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I took both of my boys to the dentist for the first time at about 3 or 4 months old, obviously they had no teeth, they lay on my belly n giggled when the dentist looked in their mouth. I have taken them every 6 months for check ups and they both love going to the dentist, I think taking them young and getting them used to it has stopped any fears developing. I also gave them both toothbrushes as soon as they started teething and they both love having their teeth brushed. I would definitely recommend getting them used to it early. Hope this helps x

I just took my 3 yr old in for his first dentist appt thinking thats when you should take them once they have all their teeth in but the pediatric dentist told me that i should bring my 14 month in as well because they usually want to see them at the age of one when they get their first teeth..it totally shocked me

at 1 years old is when most dentists will tell you. and i trust my dentist and my girls have gone since age 1. its easier on them at that age. but make sure you brush gums and teeth until then to get your child ready

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Kasey - posted on 10/05/2010

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I have started all my children at 18 mths!! Both my girls loved it & have never had a problem! My 1st son was a little hesitant, but now he loves it as well! The baby just got his 1st cleaning & he's 19mths, they were so great w/him! It just depends on the dentist office!! :)

I am reading all of your post and I am wodering if I should take my girls in now. They are 19 1/2 months old but the reason I haven't taken them thus far is because their Pedi said I don't need to take them until they are 3yrs old and their first set of teeth are in place. They now have 13 to 14 teeth each! I'm thinking I will call a local Pediatric dentist and ask. Thanks for this thread!

according to many pediatricians its supposed to be when they get their first tooth. kynlie has 12 already & 2 eyeteeth coming in now & has not been to the dentist b/c my wont see her until she is 18-24 months. he did say last time i was in though that b/c she has so many teeth already he may move that up a bit. best course of action...call your dentist & ask.

Visit http://www.aapd.org (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and http://www.aap.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) for guidelines. Here is one quote: "...the foundation for the ideal standard of establishment of the dental home by 1 year of age, as endorsed by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, supporting organizations of Bright Futures, and numerous other children’s health organizations."

I am a Dental Professional and I wouldn't worry if she hasn't been in yet! However, it IS advised for baby's first dentist visit to be BY age one or when they get their first tooth. The old rule was by 3 years old, but by then a pattern is in place and if they have cavities it is very difficult to get under control. There's LOTS of information that can be shared early on to help babies grow up cavity free! Its amazing that with all the new research and knowledge that Childhood Caries is STILL the number one chronic illness in children! There are many very good general dentists that provide great care to kids, but if your dentist is not comfortable providing care to your toddler, please consider seeing a Pediatric Specialist!

Well, does she have lots of teeth? Do they look healthy? Are they growing in reasonably well? Have you introduced her to the toothbrush - let her watch you and let her play with hers? If the anser is yes to these then you can probably wait until she is 2. I have a 15 month young daugther with all 8 of her front teeth in and her first sets of mollers (sp?) coming in all both sides. Yikes - and I am just starting to ween her from breast feeding!

we asked our dentist and he said after they turn 2 so all their teeth are in and they have an established brushing routine. I would just ask your dentist or the dentist you were planning on taking your daughter to. I'm sure it won't be the first time they've been asked that.

My daughter is 14 months old and is cutting her 15 & 16 tooth. She started teething at 4 months. We just give her a toothbrush and tell her to brush, she might chew on it or swish it around in her mouth. As of yet though we haven't taken her to the dentist. From the comments I should be checking on doing just that so thanks for the question Kat.

Encouraged by my dentist I took my son into my appointment when he was 8 months and had 3 teeth. He laid on my tummy while the dentist looked at my teeth then the dentist had a quick look in his mouth (and almost lost some of his instruments to the little monster). It was his opinion that he should repeat this for all my appointments to get him used to it and he would keep an eye on Nathans teeth there and then but, assuming no problems, there was no need for a full dentist apointment for Nathan for a couple of years.

My daughter is 5 and I took my son with us to her last check up and asked her dentist when I should make an appointment for him, honestly he looked surprised and said they like to wait as long as possible unless there are obvious problems, he advised me to wait until at least 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. I was a little surprised by this, but the way he explained it made sense: younger children get confused easily and are more easily frightened, if the first appointment scares them, they will have bad experiences for most of their child hood, however, if you wait longer and prepare them for it (reading books, brushing teeth together, talking about the dentist, etc.) it makes it easier on both child and staff.

I think maybe dentists need to clarify this across the board, as it appears that each one is different. As my dentist said when i wanted to register my daughter that it was not necessary to see her before she is 2 -2 1/2

our dentist said to bring him in at 3, but bring him along when we go before then so he can see what goes on, so he won't be so scared. Just call your dentist to find out. Sounds like it's all across the board, as to the age!

I just took my two girls in for their first check up last month.. One was 14 months and the other was 26 months.. It was pretty much just brushing and counting of their teeth so not bad.. I think between one and two is a good time to take them..

When I took mine in for his 1 year check up with the pediatrician, he gave me a list of dentists who had experience with children and suggested I take him in. I haven't yet, though, because I'll be moving soon, and would rather just take him to the new dentist once we move. I don't think it makes much of a difference as long as it's sometime between 1 and 2. I like Jo's suggestion to take the baby when you go in for your next dental check-up!